Talie Colbourne 12F Foundation Portfolio

Now You See Me (2013)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5R9XgEBoup

Code and Conventions

Findings Textual Evidence

Creation of enigma

A sense of mystery is created by the use of props because there are a number of props (e.g. cards, spoons and chains) which connote to the audience that the people are magicians, coupled with the use of low key lighting an enigma is created about the ties between these different characters – the ties between them are also shown between the fact that they have been edited together. Extreme close-ups are used to create the sense of tension because the characters are doing things which make the audience uncomfortable.

Props: cards, spoons, chains - magicLow key lighting: ties between charactersCross cutting: relationships between charactersExtreme close-ups: tension

Introduction to characters

The characters are shown as being linked through their editing which connotes that they do all have links. They are shown as having a dark side because they are wearing dark clothes, their diegetic dialogue also creates a link between darkness and the characters because magic is often seen as something which is dark. Their gestures are also quite dark because they are performing magic tricks using a variety of props which also help to signify dark and mysterious ideas. You do not know who the ‘goodies’ and ‘baddies’ are yet because they have not been defined.

Cross cutting: characters are linkedCostume: dark sideColour: dark sideDiegetic dialogue: dark sideGestures: dark sideProps: magicalPropp’s Theory: no idea who goodies and baddies are yet

Setting up Plot Camera shots (e.g. long shots and close-ups) are used primarily to draw attention to certain characters and prove that despite the fact that they are not all in the same location, these characters are all linked by the use of cross cutting. Their gestures signify that the characters are going to be performing lots of mysterious magic tricks - which is aided by the use of props. The use of the colour red signifies potential danger which could link to their wearing of dark clothes which connote that there is a darker side to them. As of yet there has been no disruption and therefore the equilibrium has been retained, this is connoted by the fact that the happenings seem very normal to the characters and by the use of

Camera shots: draw attention to charactersSetting: different locationsCross cutting: show relationshipGesture: magic tricksProps: magic tricksColour: red signals dangerCostume: dark clothesTodorov’s Theory: equilibrium Straight

1

Talie Colbourne 12F Foundation Portfolio

Code and Conventions

Findings Textual Evidence

Creation of enigma

A sense of mystery is created by the use of props because there are a number of props (e.g. cards, spoons and chains) which connote to the audience that the people are magicians, coupled with the use of low key lighting an enigma is created about the ties between these different characters – the ties between them are also shown between the fact that they have been edited together. Extreme close-ups are used to create the sense of tension because the characters are doing things which make the audience uncomfortable.

Props: cards, spoons, chains - magicLow key lighting: ties between charactersCross cutting: relationships between charactersExtreme close-ups: tension

straight cuts which connote reality. cuts: reality

Pace and rhythm(Editing/mise en

scene/camera shots)

The pace is dictated by the editing which uses a large amount of jump cuts connoting that the film is going to be intense with lots of things going on. The rhythm seems to be fairly steady to begin with because the characters all seem to be comfortable in their actions and are all interlinked through crosscutting. Fairly fast paced music with a steady beat has been used to create the fast pace of the scene. A number of close-ups have also been used to help increase the intensity and connote danger which can link back to the idea of something being fast paced and signify to the audience that this is a fast paced opening.

Jump cuts: fast paceCross cutting: actions are linkedNon-diegetic music: fast pacedClose-ups: intensity

Mood and tone (non-diegetic

music)

The music is intense, fast paced music which connotes to the audience that the rest of the film is going to be a film which will keep you on the edge of your seat. A sound bridge has been used to create a link between the characters which compliments the use of cross cutting. A mood of danger is created by the use of a parallel scream from the audience when the character throws the cards up into the air and awaits their reaction. A voiceover has been used to help create an idea to the audience of the jobs/ideas of the magicians, this connotes the mood that they are dangerous and individual beings.

Non-diegetic music: fast paced, intenseSound bridge: creates link between scenesCross cutting: creates link between scenesParallel sound: screams of charactersVoiceover: aids jobs of magicians

2

Talie Colbourne 12F Foundation Portfolio

3